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Jack Dempsey vs. Gene Tunney Signed Sports Illustrated Print
Brilliant stylized lithograph of the Dempsey-Tunney "Long Count" fight was used by Sports Illustrated in 1974 for a limited edition of 1500 prints as part of the Living Legends Series, and was signed by both of the legendary pugilists in March 1974. 18 x 22" print numbered 1155/1500 depicts the intensity of the fight both inside and outside the ring, as the fighters trade blows, grimacing in pain and determination with the referee trying just to keep out of the malestrom. In the actual fight, it was the ref, Dave Barry, who may have saved Tunney's hide. After Dempsey floored Tunney in round 7, Barry refused to count until Dempsey had gone to a neutral corner. By the time he got to a very delayed 9, Tunney's head had cleared and he subsequently won one of the most brutal bouts ever. Indeed, the blood lust spilled over to the crowd, something shown here in the faces of 2 men at ringside, 1 facing away from the ring angrily gesturing toward the ring, the other leaning on him, possibly passed out from the excitement. Other faces raptly follow the flying fists. NRMT Dempsey and Tunney signatures are in pencil on the bottom border, tiny smudge to Dempsey's signature. Print has a 2" tear running through Dempsey's chest. With some tape to the back, the appearance can be slightly improved. The tear can hardly be noticed when standing more than a few feet away. The print is preserved in a black metal frame and is ready for a new home in a trophy room or den.
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